Rothstein: Mountain West Offseason Notebook; Questions, Power Rankings And Players To Watch

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - MARCH 15: Head coach Dave Rice of the UNLV Rebels looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at The Pit on March 15, 2012 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)ALBUQUERQUE, NM - MARCH 15: Head coach Dave Rice of the UNLV Rebels looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at The Pit on March 15, 2012 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Our money is on freshman Katin Reinhardt but the Runnin Rebels have a slew of different people up for the job. Reinhardt, a 6-5 combo guard will compete for the position with fellow freshman Daquan Cook and senior guard Anthony Marshall. Marshall isn’t a true floor general but he’s still an incredibly valuable piece for UNLV coach Dave Rice thanks to his versatility and defense. Reinhardt, whose drawn comparisons to current NBA star Jimmer Fredette has by far the most upside of the three.

2. WHO IS SAN DIEGO STATE’S FIFTH STARTER?

It could be a number of people. The Aztecs return four starters —- Chase Tapley, Xavier Thames, James Rahon, and JamaalFranklin from last year’s team that lost to NC State in the NCAA Tournament but the fifth spot in their starting unit is up for grabs. With four perimeter players already slotted in the mix, veteran forward DeShawn Stephens figures to be a likely early favorite to provide an interior presence — but don’t count out some of the newcomers. Steve Fisher brings a major influx of talent to Southern California in highly touted freshmanWinston Shepard and three transfers — Dwayne Polee (St. John’s), JJ O’Brien (Utah), and James Johnson (Virginia). Johnson becomes eligible in December and was rated as the nation’s eighth best center coming out of high school in 2010. San Diego State has significantly more options than last year’s team that won 26 games. That’s good news for Fisher — and bad news for the rest of the Mountain West.

3. JUST HOW GOOD IS NEVADA?

Good enough to beat anyone in the Mountain West. The Wolfpack have some holes to fill up front but their back court of Deonte Burton and Malik Story is as good as any duo as you’re going to find. Jerry Evans Jr. figures to be in for a breakout season and freshman off guard Marqueze Coleman has a chance to make an immediate contribution. If JUCO transfer Ali Fall can make an immediate contribution inside, David Carter will have a team in contention for an NCAA bid in Nevada’s first season in the Mountain West Conference.

4. IS COLORADO STATE GOOD ENOUGH TO WIN THE CONFERENCE?

Yes. The Rams aren’t as talented as UNLV or San Diego State but they’ve got experience with senior guards Dorian Green and Wes Eikmeier along with one of the more underrated glue guys in all of college basketball in undersized power forward Pierce Hornung. First-year coach Larry Eustachy walks into a great situation and will possess something his predecessor Tim Miles didn’t have last season —- Minnesota transfer Colton Iverson. The 6-10 big man gives Colorado State a different dimension and should be an immediate contributor. Also keep an eye on sharpshooter Jesse Carr, who could be in for a breakout season.

5. WHO IS THE SLEEPER?

It feels weird to say New Mexico but New Mexico. The Lobos are under the radar a bit after a losing a double-double machine in Drew Gordon.Steve Alford still has plenty to work with thanks to a dynamic perimeter headlined by one of the more underrated guards in America in Kendall Williams. Demetrius Walker figures to make a bit of a jump in his second season in Albuquerque and Tony Snell, Hugh Greenwood, and Jamal Fenton are all capable back court pieces that can score in double figures. A big key for this team will be whether or not big man Alex Kirk can rebound after he missed last season with an injury. If Kirk and bruising forward Cameron Bairstow can make an impact on the boards, Alford should have the Lobos right where they’re used to being —- in the hunt for the NCAA Tournament.

MOUNTAIN WEST PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

1. UNLV

THE SKINNY: Dave Rice has brought the sizzle back to Sin City.

2. SAN DIEGO STATE

THE SKINNY: This could be Steve Fisher’s deepest Aztecs team yet.

3. NEVADA

THE SKINNY: The back court of Deonte Burton and Malik Story is special.

4. COLORADO STATE

THE SKINNY: Larry Eustachy inherits a team ready to win now.

5. NEW MEXICO

THE SKINNY: Red shirt sophomore Alex Kirk needs to produce.

6. WYOMING

THE SKINNY: Leonard Washington’s early reinstatement was huge.

7. FRESNO STATE

THE SKINNY: Landing freshman big man Robert Upshaw was a major coup.

8. AIR FORCE

THE SKINNY: The Falcons return four of their top five scorers.

9. BOISE STATE

THE SKINNY: Anthony Drmic has a chance to be one of the better players in the conference.